What YOU Should Know Before Getting an Oral Piercing!

Oral and body piercings are an ancient tradition usually seen in adolescents and young adults who choose to use a piercing as a form of body art and self-expression. Unlike regular piercings, oral piercings come with far more complications due to the sensitive region of the mouth. Oral piercings can be placed on the tongue, lip, cheek or on any other soft tissue found around the mouth area. The common forms of oral jewelry include studs, rings, hoops and barbells which are made of various metals including: stainless steel, gold, titanium or other synthetic materials.

Types of Oral Piercings:

  • Tongue piercings
  • Lip piercings
  • Inner Mouth piercings (i.e. cheek, uvula piercing, lower/ upper gum tissue)

Treatment for Oral Piercings

  1. Use a mouthwash that is alcohol-free.
  2. Use saltwater rinses. Warm or cold saltwater rinses after eating, drinking, and smoking will aid in the healing process and soothe the pierced area.
  3. Brush daily. Brushing at least three times per day will eliminate plaque and bacteria as well as food particles from accumulating and thus prevent hindering of the healing process. Use proper toothpaste. It is important that patients use a dentifrice free of whitening products to prevent developing a yeast infection.

Complications of Oral Piercings:

  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Speech complications
  • Infections
  • Chipped or damaged teeth
  • Embedded oral jewelry
  • Gingival recession
  • Lacerations/scarring
  • Airway obstructions
  • Hyper salivation
  • Unusual discharge from the pierced region

How can an Orofacial Myologist help?

It is vital for patients to visit a dental hygienist once they see signs of oral piercing complications as listed above. Dental hygienist can aid in the healing process of any chipped or damaged teeth caused by the piercing process. As the piercing may be very delicate and hard to clean, dental visits will ensure regular thorough cleaning of the piercing region. Along with the minimal complications that can rise from a new oral piercing, one’s speech can become interfered therefore, a certified Orofacial Myologist can help set you on a path to success with many speech therapy methods.

Need expert advice on how to deal with any complications from oral piercings? Pina Mazza, Orofacial Myologist in Vaughan, can help you! Now servicing Vaughan and other parts of the GTA! Call now to book an appointment on 905.597.6342.

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